A startle reflex may arise during flight as a result of a sudden and unexpected development which, especially if it affects the ‘Pilot Flying’, can trigger an instantaneous and potentially inappropriate response in relation to the control of an aircraft. Its occurrence, and the resultant risk which may follow, is suspected to have its origins…… Continue Reading →
The Flight Safety Foundation has published a guide developed with an industry ‘fatigue countermeasures’ working group that details the ‘best practices for implementation of a policy allowing for controlled rest (CR) on the flight deck.’ In other words, napping in the cockpit while the pilot in the other seat keeps and eye on things…. Continue Reading →
Visual illusions result from many factors and appear in many different forms. Illusions occur when conditions modify the pilot’s perception of the environment relative to his or her expectations, possibly resulting in spatial disorientation or landing errors (e.g., landing short or landing long)…. Continue Reading →
Inadvertent use of the wrong cockpit control instead of the intended control is a potential situation that pilots may encounter on any aircraft type. This kind of error can occur with even the most experienced pilots and this Airbus article explores what factors can influence and lead to this type of occurrence…. Continue Reading →
Interruptions and distractions often result in omitting an action and/or deviating from standard operating procedures (SOPs). Interruptions (e.g., because of an ATC communication) and distractions (e.g., because of a cabin crew member entering the flight deck) occur frequently. Some cannot be avoided, some can be minimized or eliminated…. Continue Reading →
The importance of briefing techniques often is underestimated, although effective briefings enhance crew standardization and crew communication…. Continue Reading →
Causes and prevention review. Training recommendations and strategy…. Continue Reading →
Studies have found no link between cabin air quality and health problems, but some crewmembers and passengers say those studies are wrong…. Continue Reading →
Although small amounts of stress can yield benefits such as increased alertness and an improved ability to concentrate, an accumulation of stress caused by daily frustration and major life events has been associated with numerous health problems. In studies of flight crewmembers, stress has been associated with pilot error…. Continue Reading →
New methods of examining recorded voice communications can help investigators evaluate interactions between flight crewmembers and determine the quality of the work environment on the flight deck…. Continue Reading →
Australian researchers found that pilots who took prescribed antidepressants were no more likely than others to be involved in accidents and incidents…. Continue Reading →
The Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) Approach-and-landing Accident Reduction (ALAR) Task Force designed this guide as part of the FSF ALAR Tool Kit, which is designed to help prevent ALAs, including those involving controlled flight into terrain. This guide should be used to evaluate specific flight operations and to improve crew awareness of associated risks. This…… Continue Reading →
Incidents and accidents involve the entire range of CRM and Human Factors aspects. In incident and accident reports, the flight crew's contribution often is considered to be just what the flight crew did or did not do. This briefing is a focused but limited overview of the broad CRM subject…. Continue Reading →
Mistakes in determining takeoff parameters are frequent, a french study says, and methods of detecting them are not always effective…. Continue Reading →
Despite years of emphasis, some fundamental problems still plague crew interaction, suggesting additional focus on monitoring and challenging could yield safety benefits…. Continue Reading →